Permanently Embedded Protective Covering for Articles of Clothing

ABSTRACT

The present invention involves a method for permanently embedding a protective covering in an article of clothing over at least one predetermined portion of the clothing that can be worn by infants, children and adults. The protective covering is made from a thermoplastic material that is applied to and thermally bonds or co-mingles with the outermost fabric fibers of the clothing creating a permanently embedded, liquid impermeable, non-porous protective covering, including an increased height edge, which covering retains the same flexibility as the underlying fabric of the clothing article. The protective covering can be positioned across the top front portion of the clothing article and extend downward to a lower portion of the front of the clothing article creating an easy to clean particle and dirt resistant covering for the clothing article.

RELATED U. S. APPLICATION DATA

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/454,887 filed on Aug. 8, 2014 that remains pending, whichapplication is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/365,315 filed on Feb. 3, 2012 that was abandoned, which applicationwas a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/386,947 filedon Apr. 24, 2009 that was abandoned, which application was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/811,410 filed onJun. 5, 2007 that was abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method of manufacturing anarticle of clothing, and more particularly to superficially embedding aprotective covering made of a thermoplastic material into the article ofclothing or garment to be worn by either children or adults. Thepermanently embedded thermoplastic protective covering may be made fromthe application of a single layer (monolayer) of lead-free plastisol.The protective covering embedded into the garment of the presentinvention is functional, flexible and non-absorbent and can be clear orcolored with a smooth or slightly textured surface. Further, theprotective covering is embedded with an edge ridge for the containmentor retardation of liquids overflowing the edge ridge surrounding theembedded covering.

Numerous patents disclose a variety of garments, including gloves,aprons, bibs and gowns, providing a protected region on said garments byuse of a plurality of chemicals and methods. Many of these methodsrequire complex assembly of a multi-layer protective covering. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,828 [Fogt, et al.] discloses a protectivematerial for use in garments such as gloves, leggings, sleeves, andaprons. This protective material comprises a base layer composed oftextile material, an intermediate layer composed of a cut-resistantmaterial having intermeshing strands, and an outer layer composed ofsolid, elastomeric material that retards penetration by liquids. Themulti-step and complex process used to generate this protective coveringalso results in limited flexibility of the underlying garment.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,092 [Taranto] and U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,940[Bergquist] both disclose a children's garment comprising a multi-layerprotective bib attached to the underlying garment. The protective bibdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,092 [Taranto] is composed of at leasttwo layers of material superimposed upon one another. One layercomprises synthetic plastic sheet material overlying the front side ofthe garment portion, and this layer is bonded to a second layerconstituting a padding material of foam or fibrous silver. Additionally,this disclosure provides for a decorative picture on the outer layer ofthe bib region. U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,940 [Bergquist] discloses achildren's sleeper garment with an attached bib comprising two layers ofprotective materials. One layer is a moisture impervious layer, and itis attached to a moisture absorbent layer.

Another related concept is disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US2004/0144481A1 [Poulos, et al.]. The interactivedesign on the garment is created using a multi-layer sheet-like appliquethat comprises two layers of plastisol materials that are used asgraphic image layers and not as a garment protective material. Further,the process described requires the multiple layers and sheets of releasepaper for the appropriate deposition of the multi-layer graphics on thegarment. There is no disclosure of a melding of the multi-layers to thegarment or of any protective qualities that are afforded to the garment.

Several patents disclose elastomer coated garments, whereby thepreferred embodiments of the inventions result in a “wrinkled”,“textured” or “rough” outer layer of the garment. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,174,542 [Vistins] discloses an elastomer coated textile aproncharacterized by a textured or “wrinkle” finish. This disclosure focuseson the method of manufacturing these garments to produce a “wrinkle”finish. The garment is either dipped in or sprayed with the elastomericresin resulting in a ‘saturated’ underlying garment with a “wrinkled”finish. Another example of elastomer coated garments with a “textured”surface is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,783 [Andrews]. The methodsdisclosed include joining a non-woven fibrous web, such as needled feltto a knitted web, and utilizing a needled staple fiber preferably fromthe non-woven web to join the two webs together into a formed laminate.The joining procedure is such that the finished laminate includes theneedled staple fiber extending form one surface of the web to form abase surface for a subsequent application of an elastomeric coating. Themethods described in the aforementioned patents provide for a “textured”protective coating on the desired garments at the cost of significantlylimiting the flexibility of the underlying garment.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US2004/0123367A1 [Schorr, et al.]discloses a structure developed to reduce the likelihood that lowsurface tension liquids, such as blood, will wick along the outsidesurfaces of a non-woven material. Such a structure includes a non-wovengarment that is treated to include a continuous line, band or path oflow surface tension liquid blocking material deposited at least along anoutside surface portion of a sleeve, waist, leg, or neck opening of abody garment. The structure is placed on a garment that goes on/oraround the body extremities, such as on an ankle portion of a boot, hoodportion of a protective outerwear, side edges of facemasks, or wristportions of hand coverings. The disclosure describes the manufacture ofsaid structure from a breathable multi-layer “film”.

Other patents have described protective coverings resembling aprons foradults, which are put on over the user's clothing to protect theclothing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,876 [Sutton] discloses ablouse cover, which fastens to the user's body and has a detachable andreplaceable bib fastened to the blouse cover. Thus, a need exists for apermanently embedded protective covering that co-mingles with the fibersof a garment, and one that will not detach from the garment.

The present invention can be clearly distinguished from theaforementioned disclosures, and consequently occupies a niche thatfulfills an unmet need in the field. It satisfies a need for apermanently embedded protective covering that does not consist ofmultiple layers, and maintains the flexible characteristics of theunderlying garment. Further, the increased height or thickness of thematerial along the outer edge of the protected area acts as a deterrentto wicking of liquids that are splashed upon the protected areas.

Moreover, the present invention does not have to be attached over, ortemporarily to the underlying garment. The protective layer becomes apart of the underlying garment. More specifically, and unlike thedisclosures set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,828 [Fogt, et al.], U.S.Pat. No. 3,608,092 [Taranto], U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,940 [Bergquist], andU.S. Patent Application Publications US2004/0123367A1 [Schorr, et al.]and US2003/0131927A1 [Hatcher, et al.], the present invention providesfor a simple method to manufacture a superficially and permanentlyembedded protective coating comprising only a monolayer deposited on theouter fibers of the underlying garment.

There are several benefits to this invention when compared to the priordisclosures. Importantly, the inner portion of the region of the garmentcorresponding to the protective coating (portion in contact with thewearer) will maintain the characteristics of the underlying garment.This will maintain the inherent flexibility and comfort of theunderlying garment. Another benefit of this method is that it is easierand more cost effective to embed the protective coating superficially inthe form of a monolayer. Additionally, unlike U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,542[Vistins] and U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,783 [Andrews] that disclose a“texture” or “wrinkled” finish, which can limit flexibility, the presentinvention puts forth an embodiment having a smooth outer surface of thecoating that can maintain the desired flexibility. The current inventioncan also be distinguished from U.S. Patent Application PublicationUS2004/0123367A1 [Schorr, et al.] that discloses a protective structurecircumscribing the wrists, ankles and neck region of the body. Incontrast, the present invention discloses a method of superficially andpermanently embedding a monolayer of a protective coating on multipleregions of a plurality of garments, including bibs, gowns, overalls,ties, blouses, t-shirts, and children's sleepers.

Unlike the present invention that results in a non-porous surface thatis substantially impermeable to liquids, several patents describecoating of fabric that leaves the fabric porous. U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,821[Conklin] describes a coating process that specifically retains theporosity of the fabric of the garment after the application and heattransfer of the covering. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,256 [Doree, etal.], speaks of a mechanical bond between the covering and theunderlying fabric. More particularly, there is a description of theheated and flowing thermoplastic material flowing into the voids of theporous fabric to achieve the mechanical bond. However, there is nodescription of the resulting surface properties of the covering orwhether there is a resulting impermeability. The only reported result isthat the fabric is not adversely affected by the heat and pressureprocess for embedding the covering into the fabric. Thus, even thosedescriptions that provide a basis for the thermal embedding of the vinylchloride compound into fabric still lack any description of theanti-porosity and liquid impermeability as in the present invention.

The permanently embedded protective covering utilized in this inventionmay be made from the application of a single layer (monolayer) oflead-free plastisol. Plastisol is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or liquidvinyl dispersion or thermoplastic, which is fused by heating to form asolidified end product. The plastisol will fuse rapidly to the fabric ofa garment because of its fine particle structure. The temperature atwhich plastisol cures and, by such curing process, is impregnated (orpartially impregnated) into a fabric material ranges ideally between150° F. to 200° F., but can increase up to 330° F.

The plastisol is embedded into the fabric by the use of a process forapplying the plastisol material at a temperature sufficient to changethe state of the material to a liquid and at higher pressures, such thatin combination the liquid plastisol is forced between the fibers of thematerial of the fabric to which it is being applied. The process thenimmediately requires a cool-down of the plastisol before it penetratesthrough all the layers of the fabric. The cooling process ensures thatthe plastisol embeds only within the outermost garment fibers,interweaving with the fibers of the garment where it remains and forminga rib or ridge along the edge of the embedded material. In this fashionthe plastisol material will not penetrate through all of the layers ofthe fabric, avoiding direct contact with the skin of the user.Alternatively a heat transfer may be made by screen-printing plastisolon a special release paper. The “transfer” is then applied to a garmentor fabric using a heat press that applies pressure and melts thematerial so it will bond with the fabric, as it is pressed into thegarment fibers by the heat press. The heat applied by the heat pressliquefies the plastisol material so that it can penetrate the upperlayers of the fabric and, once the heat source is removed, the plastisolnot only cures or hardens around the garment fibers, but also produces asurface coating that is non-porous which is impermeable to liquids.

The plastisol material is self-extinguishing, non-toxic and waterresistant. Plastisol has a good natural bond to most porous surfacessuch as paper, fabrics, pile, rope or any material that will allow somesuperficial penetration by the plastisol material. Since plastisol is athermoplastic, some softening occurs above room temperature; however itcan withstand exposure to temperatures of 180° F. without actualdeterioration. Plastisol will not decompose or change significantly inacids, alkalines, detergents, foodstuffs, water or other naturalsubstances. The permanently embedded protective covering does not holdor retain substances very easily. The protective covering isnon-absorbent with a smooth or slightly textured surface so that if aparticular substance holds temporarily it can easily be wiped away withsoap and water. Further, a rib or ridge along the edge of the materialretards having a height greater than the surface of both the embeddedplastisol material and the original fabric of the garment and a widthsufficient to retard the flow of liquids beyond the protective coveringto afford time for wiping away before overflow and wicking of the liquidinto the garment material.

The present invention provides a permanently embedded protectivecovering that can be used on garments for both adults and children,which covering does not require fastening means, and which providesprotection to the overall garment by resisting penetration of liquidsthrough the covering. The present invention does not have to be wornover a garment, because it already exists on the garment as it isembedded into and co-mingles with the fibers of the garment giving theprotective covering the same flexibility as the garment. The presentinvention is non-toxic and flame retardant, and as easy to clean as thegarment itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an article ofclothing with a permanently embedded non-porous protective coveringdirectly set or embedded into the fibers of the garment. The permanentlyand superficially embedded protective covering is made from a plastisol,which is embedded into the fabric by the use of a combination of hightemperature and high pressure, and then immediately cooled before theplastisol material can penetrate through all of the layers of thefabric. The cooling process ensures that the plastisol co-mingles onlywithin the top garment fibers and interweaves with the fabric fibers ofthe garment, where it remains, so that it will not penetrate through allthe layers of the fabric, avoiding direct contact with the skin of theuser. The plastisol will thermally bond to the underlying fabric of thegarment in a temperature range between 150° F. to 200° F. ideally;however the temperature may be increased as high as 330° F.

The permanently embedded non-porous protective covering preferablycovers the top portion of the garment and extends downward to the midtorso. However, the protective covering can be placed across or extendedover a lower portion of the garment, if the lower portion of the garmentis prone to attracting particles and dirt. The permanently embeddedprotective covering surrounds the underlying fiber layers of the fabricso that it becomes one with the fabric and attains the same flexibilityas the fabric of the garment, thereby making it a solid portion thatcannot be broken easily, while maintaining a liquid impermeabilityagainst seepage of most liquids through the protective covering. Alsothe protective covering maintains an increased height or thickness of apredetermined width along its outer edge so that any splashed liquidmaterials are retarded from flowing onto the unprotected garment.

The garment, in one preferred embodiment, can be an infant's sleeper orshirt, preferably of a soft woven material. The permanently embeddedprotective covering begins at the top or neckline of the sleeper orshirt and extends to approximately the mid torso. A different embodimentof the invention can be on a young child's shirt. The permanentlyembedded protective covering could begin at the neck portion of theshirt and extend to approximately the mid torso.

Yet another embodiment is envisioned to be a permanently embeddedprotective covering on an adult sized shirt, gown or coat for use in ahospital, nursing home, restaurant, or other institution or facilitywhere clothing would be getting fluids or foods on them and need to beeasily wiped away or cleaned. A permanently embedded non-porousprotective covering in accordance with the present invention, thatresists the inward passage of liquids through the garment, would beparticularly useful and convenient as it is easy to clean, non-toxic andflame retardant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in thedrawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an infant's jumper with the permanentprotective covering of the present invention extending from the necklineto approximately the mid torso portion of the intended wearer.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a child's shirt with the permanent protectivecovering of the present invention extending over the upper torso area ofthe intended wearer.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an adult shirt-like garment with the permanentprotective covering of the present invention extending from the necklineto approximately the lower torso area of the intended wearer.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the permanent protective coveringof the present invention embedded through the outer layer of the fabricand under the cross-weave fibers of an article of clothing.

FIG. 4A is a partial sectional view of the permanent protective coveringof the present invention showing one edge of the embedded material andthe outer layer of the fabric of the article of clothing.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an infant's sleeper with the permanentprotective covering of the present invention extending from the neck toapproximately the lower torso portion of intended wearer.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an adult's work overalls with the permanentprotective covering of the present invention extending from the top ofthe overalls to the waist portion of intended wearer.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an adult healthcare worker's uniform shirtwith the permanent protective covering of the present inventionextending from the neckline to approximately the lower torso portion ofintended wearer.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a dress with the permanent protective coveringof the present invention extending from the neckline to approximatelythe waist of the wearer.

FIG. 9 is of a perspective view of a man's tie with the permanentprotective coating of the present invention extending almost the entirelength of the outer surface of the tie.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a patient gown with the permanent protectivecoating of the present invention extending from the neckline toapproximately the lower torso of the intended wearer.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a medical practitioner's gown with thepermanent protective coating of the present invention extending from theneckline to approximately the lower torso of the intended wearer andalong the distal areas of the sleeves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in alimiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the invention. The various features and advantagesof the present invention may be more readily understood with referenceto the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer tolike parts or elements, there are shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-11 a numberof different articles of clothing for a variety of differently sizedpersons. However, before describing each of the varying sized articlesof clothing carrying the protective covering, the method ofmanufacturing the specialized article of clothing with the impermeableprotective covering of the present invention is best described inconnection with FIGS. 4 and 4A.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the article of clothing showingthe thermoplastic material 42 used for creating the permanent protectivecovering interweaved with the fabric fibers of the garment 44, 46 and48. The thermoplastic material of the permanent protective covering 42of the present invention is applied to and impregnated or embedded intothe fibers of the fabric of the garment. This process results in aninterweaving of the thermoplastic material through the outermost layerof fibers 42 of the fabric of the garment. The thermoplastic material isapplied in a fluid state so that the material will flow in and aroundthe fibers of the fabric of the garment such as the individual fibers 44and the cross-weave fibers 46 of the garment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A.This creating of the protective covering into the desired areas of thevarious garments is accomplished in the following manner.

The protective covering 42 is preferred to be of a thermoplasticmaterial, such as plastisol ink, which is considerably thicker than mostgraphic inks. The plastisol material will fuse rapidly into the garmentfibers 44, 46 due to its fine particle structure. The temperature atwhich the plastisol material will attain a fluid state so that it willflow into the fabric of the garment is in the range of 150° F. to 200°F., but the temperature may be increased up to 330° F. The plastisolmaterial is embedded into and between the fibers of the fabric by theuse of a combination of the higher temperature and a high-pressureapplication. Once applied and following a time period sufficient fordispersion through the outer layer of the fabric of the garment and intoan intermediate layer of the fabric, the thermoplastic material and thegarment are cooled before the thermoplastic material can flow into andthrough all the layers of the fabric. The cooling process ensures thatthe plastisol material penetrates and embeds only within the outermostfabric fibers of the garment by flowing under and through the outerfibers 44 and under the cross-weave fibers 46, but not onto the innersurface of the garment shown by fibers 48. When cooled below thethreshold temperature of 150° F., the plastisol material remains withinthe outer layers of fiber of the garment. In this manner, thethermoplastic material creates a non-porous liquid shedding coveringalong the outer surface of the garment and does not penetrate throughall the layers of the fabric, such that direct contact with the skin ofthe user is avoided.

Alternatively, a heat transfer may be made by screen-printing plastisolink on a special release paper. The “transfer” is then applied to thegarment using a heat press that applies pressure and changes the stateof the plastisol ink from solid to fluid so that it will flow and bondwith the fibers of the garment, as it is pressed into the garment fibers44 and cross-weave fibers 46 by the heat press. The heat applied by theheat press is maintained for a time period sufficient for the plastisolink to liquefy and flow into and around the outer fibers 44, 46 of thefabric of the garment and is then removed to allow the plastisolmaterial to cure by forming a permanent bond with the fabric fibers 44,46., but the innermost fibers 48 of the garment. The permanentlyembedded protective covering 42 can be seen to entirely surround theoutermost layer of the fabric, which consist of the individual fibers44, and be seen to impregnate the individual cross-weave fibers 46, sothat protective covering becomes one with the fabric and attains thesame flexibility as the fabric of the garment. In this way the plastisolcoating produces a non-porous covering that sheds liquids and preventsthe penetration of liquids through the area of the covering on thegarment.

In both methods of embedding of the protective covering 42 into thefibers of the garment, an edge portion 45 is formed along the outer edgeof the protective covering 42. The edge portion 45 that is formedextends outward from the main body of the protective coating 42 creatinga rib or ridge having an increased height and an extended width thatcoast together to prevent or retard the overflow of liquids splashedupon the outer surface of the protective covering 42 from flowingoutward and being wicked into the garment fabric allowing the liquid tobe, in most instances, wiped away. The edge portion 45 has a preferredheight above the level of the protective coating 42 and the outersurface of the article of clothing in the range of 1-3 mm of increasedheight or thickness creating a barrier wall against outflow of liquidsor liquefied materials. The edge portion 45 also has a preferred widthfor the barrier wall extending outward from the main portion of theprotective coating 42 continuing the height of the edge portion 45outward a distance in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm providing for a greaterdistance for any overflow to travel so as to be noticed and wiped awaypreventing any liquefied material from actually overflowing the edgeportion 45 and being wicked into the fabric of the article beingprotected.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a garment 10 for an infant withleg openings 14, arm openings 16 and a neck opening 18. The garment 10has a permanently embedded protective covering 12 thermally applied, asdescribed above, directly onto the garment 10, beginning with the neckopening 18 of the garment and extending downward to approximately themid torso area. Other areas, or an extension of the protected areashown, may also have the protective covering 12 added over and into thefabric of the garment 10. The garment 10 can be made from variousmaterials, but is preferably made of a soft woven fabric. The protectivecovering 12 is liquid impervious (non-porous), non-toxic and flameretardant, and may hold debris temporarily, which can be easily wipedaway with soap and water. Assisting in the temporary retarding of anyliquid splashed upon the protective covering 12 from sliding or flowingoutward onto the garment 10 is the edge portion 15 along surrounding theprotective covering 12. The protective covering 12 is preferably opaqueand can be a variety of colors, however, it may also be colorless inwhich case it would be translucent permitting the coloring of thegarment to be seen through the covering 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a t-shirt style garment 20 fora small child or infant with arm openings 26 and a neck opening 28. Thegarment 20 has a protective covering 22 beginning at the neck opening 28of the garment 20 and extending downward to approximately the mid torsoarea. The garment 20 has a permanently embedded protective covering 22thermally applied, as described above, directly onto the garment 20,beginning with the neck opening 28 of the garment and extending downwardto approximately the mid torso area. Other areas, or an extension of theprotected area shown, may also have the protective covering 22 addedover and into the fabric of the garment 20. Assisting in the temporaryretarding of any liquid splashed upon the protective covering 22 fromsliding or flowing outward onto the garment 20 is the edge portion 25surrounding the protective covering 22. The protective covering 22 hasthe same properties as described above.

In FIG. 3 there is shown a garment 30 for an adult that may be used as achef's coat, smock or shirt, or be used by a healthcare professional.The garment 30 has a neck opening 38, arm openings 36 and a protectivecovering 32. The protective covering 32 begins at the neckline andextends downward ending approximately at the lower torso area. Thegarment 30 has a permanently embedded protective covering 32 thermallyapplied, as described above, directly onto the garment 30, beginningwith the neck opening 38 of the garment and extending downward toapproximately the mid torso area. Other areas such as the sleeves of theover blouse 30, or an extension of the protected area shown, may alsohave the protective covering 32 added over and into the fabric of thegarment 30. Assisting in the temporary retarding of any liquid splashedupon the protective covering 32 from sliding or flowing outward onto thegarment 30 is the edge portion 35 surrounding the protective covering32. The protective covering 32 has the same properties as describedabove.

Another garment utilizing the protective covering of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 5 showing a garment 50 in the style of an infant'ssleeper, with a permanently embedded protective covering 52, a neckopening 58, and a pair of arm openings 56. The protective covering 52 isshown beginning at the neck opening 58 and extending downward to andending approximately at the lower torso area. As with the other types ofgarments, garment 50 has a permanently embedded protective covering 52thermally applied, in accord with the method described above, directlyonto the garment 50, beginning with the neck opening 58 of the garmentand extending downward to and ending approximately at the lower torsoarea. Also, as above, other areas, or an extension of the protected areashown, may also have the protective covering 52 added over and into thefabric of the garment 50. Assisting in the temporary retarding of anyliquid splashed upon the protective covering 52 from sliding or flowingoutward onto the garment 50 is the edge portion 55 surrounding theprotective covering 52. The protective covering 52 has the sameproperties as described above.

Another garment is illustrated in FIG. 6 that shows a different type ofclothing. The article of clothing 60 is in the form of a child'soveralls, or may be an adult worker's overalls, with a permanentlyembedded protective covering 62. The protective covering 62 extends fromthe top of the bib portion of the overalls downward to approximately thewaist portion of the garment 60. As in the case of the other articles ofclothing, garment 60 has a permanently embedded protective covering 62thermally applied, in accord with the method described above, directlyonto the garment 60. Also as above, other areas, or an extension of theprotected area shown, may have the protective covering 62 added over andinto the fabric of the garment 60. Assisting in the temporary retardingof any liquid splashed upon the protective covering 62 from sliding orflowing outward onto the garment 60 is the edge portion 65 surroundingthe protective covering 62. The protective covering 62 has the sameproperties as described above.

Another article of clothing utilizing the method of the presentinvention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, shows a garment 70 in the form ofan adult healthcare worker's uniform shirt or smock with a permanentlyembedded protective covering 72, a neck opening 78, and a pair of armopenings 76. The protective covering 72 extends from the seams joiningthe front and back sides at top of the garment 70 downward around neckopening 78 and farther downward to end approximately at the lower torsoarea. Assisting in the temporary retarding of any liquid splashed uponthe protective covering 72 from sliding or flowing outward onto thegarment 70 is the edge portion 75 surrounding the protective covering72. The protective covering 72 has the same properties as describedabove.

FIG. 8 illustrates a garment 80 in the form of a dress with apermanently embedded protective coating 82, a neck opening 88, and armopenings 86. The protective covering 82 extends from the top portion ofthe dress downward to approximately the waist portion of the garment 80.As in the case of the other articles of clothing, garment 80 has apermanently embedded protective covering 82 thermally applied, in accordwith the method described above, directly onto the garment 80. Also asabove, other areas, or an extension of the protected area shown, mayhave the protective covering 82 added over and into the fabric of thegarment 80. Assisting in the temporary retarding of any liquid splashedupon the protective covering 82 from sliding or flowing outward onto thegarment 80 is the edge portion 85 surrounding the protective covering82. The protective covering 82 has the same properties as describedabove.

A garment 90 shown in FIG. 9 is a man's tie with a permanently embeddedprotective coating 92. The protective covering 92 extends from the topportion of the tie downward over the outer surface of the tie to thebottom portion of the garment 90. As in the case of the other articlesof clothing, garment 90 has a permanently embedded protective covering92 thermally applied, as described above, directly onto the garment 90.Also as above, it can be envisioned that different areas of the tie mayhave the protective covering 92 added over and into the fabric of thegarment 90. Assisting in the temporary retarding of any liquid splashedupon the protective covering 92 from sliding or flowing outward onto thegarment 90 is the edge portion 95 along the folded side edge of theprotective covering 92 along the front face of the tie 90 and at thebottom of the front face of the tie 90. The protective covering 92 hasthe same properties as described above.

FIG. 10 illustrates another garment 100 depicting a patient gown with apermanently embedded protective coating 102, a neck opening 108, and apair of arm openings 106. The protective covering 102 extends from thetop of the neck portion of the gown downward to below the waist portionof the garment 100. As in the case of the other articles of clothing,garment 100 has a permanently embedded protective covering 102 thermallyapplied, in accord with the method described above, directly onto thegarment 100. Also as above, other areas, or an extension of theprotected area shown, may have the protective covering 102 added overand into the fabric of the garment 100. Assisting in the temporaryretarding of any liquid splashed upon the protective covering 102 fromsliding or flowing outward onto the garment 100 is the edge portion 105surrounding the protective covering 102. The protective covering 102 hasthe same properties as described above.

Garment 110, as illustrated in FIG. 11, is a medical practitioner's gownshowing the permanently embedded protective coating 112, a neck opening118, and a pair of arm openings 116. As depicted in FIG. 11, theprotective coating 112 is applied, according to the methods describedabove, to multiple regions of the medical practitioner's gown.Specifically, the protective coating 112 extends from the neck portionof said gown downward to below the waste portion of garment 110.Additionally, the protective coating 112 a is also applied to the armportions of garment 110; extending from the wrist region of said gownupwards above the elbow portion of garment 110. Also as above, otherareas, or an extension of the protected areas shown, may have theprotective covering 112, 112 a added over and into the fabric of thegarment 110. Assisting in the temporary retarding of any liquid splashedupon the protective covering 112 and 112 a from sliding or flowingoutward onto the garment 110 is the edge portion 115 and 115 asurrounding the protective covering 112 and encircling the upper edge ofthe protective coverings 112 a along the arms of garment 110. Theprotective coverings 112 and 112 a have the same properties as describedabove.

As in the cases of the previously described garments, the protectivecoverings 12, 22, 32, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 112 a are eachpositioned to extend over and protect that area or portion of thegarment or article of clothing that is most likely to be spilled on, orto receive splatter or some other form of deposit of a foodstuff, or thedeposit of a human bodily fluid that would normally dampen, in the caseof infant saliva, or create an area of contact with the garment leavingon the garment some form of material that has splattered or spilledduring eating or using the garment during the course of regularworkplace routine. In each case the protective covering resists theadherence of solids and prevents the inward penetration of liquids bythe non-porosity of the covering embedded in the garment, while allowingthe easy wiping away of the majority of the spillage or spatter, andthen the easier washing of the article of clothing to remove anyremainder of the deposit. Assisting with the retaining of the spillageor splatter on the protective covering are the edge portions 15, 25, 35,55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115 and 115 a of the main protective coverings12, 22, 32, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 112 a. The edge portions15, 25, 35, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, 115 and 115 a, by providing anincreased height or thickness to the protective coating along its edges,as well as a predetermined width for the increased height or thickness,retard the outflow of the spilled or splashed material beyond the edgesof the protective covering. The impermeability to liquids of thecoverings 12, 22, 32, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102, 112 and 112 a through thenon-porosity of the covering material as set into the fabric and theoutflow retarding edge portion or ridge of material are believed to beunique to this invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and,accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope ofthe invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the inventionas well as all modifications which may fall within a range ofequivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for permanently embedding in an article of clothing anon-porous impermeable protective covering into at least one area of thearticle of clothing comprising the steps of: providing an article ofclothing to be worn by an infant, child or adult that may be of woven ornon-woven fibers, said article of clothing having exterior and interiorsurfaces; printing a thermoplastic material onto at least onepredetermined area of the exterior of the article of clothing atincreased temperature and pressure for a period of time sufficient forthe thermoplastic to penetrate only into the top garment fibers of thefabric of the article of clothing; cooling the thermoplastic materialimmediately following said period of time to create a permanentnon-porous impermeable protective covering embedded into and interweavedwith the top garment fibers of the predetermined area of said article ofclothing without penetrating to the interior surface thereof such that amain portion of the protective covering is formed with an edge portionalong the outer edges of the main portion of the protective covering,said edge portion being formed with an increased thickness greater thanthat of the main portion of the protective covering and an extendedwidth for retarding outflow of materials from the main portion of theprotective covering, said protective covering retaining the flexibilityof the underlying article of clothing.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe at least one predetermined area of the article of clothing forembedding the protective covering is selected from the group consistingof the upper front portion, the upper and mid front portions, the lowerarm portions, and the lower and mid arm portions.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein said permanently embedded protective covering is non-toxic,moisture impervious, and flame retardant.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the thermoplastic material may be a plastisol ink.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material may have color,translucency, or be substantially transparent.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein said temperature to thermally bond the thermoplastic material tothe underlying fabric of the article of clothing is in a range between150° F. to 330° F.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said temperature ispreferably in a range between 150° F. to 200° F.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the formed edge portion of the protective covering has anincreased thickness in the range between 1-3 mm above the surface of themain portion of the protective covering and the surface of the articleof clothing and a width in the range between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. 9.(canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. An article of clothing to be worn by aninfant, child or adult comprising: a fabric that may be of woven ornon-woven fibers having exterior and interior surfaces; a thermoplasticmaterial printed onto at least one predetermined area of the exteriorsurface of the article of clothing transferring the thermoplastic intothe top fibers of the fabric to create a permanent protective coveringembedded into and interweaved with the top fibers of said at least onepredetermined area of said article of clothing without penetrating tothe interior surface thereof; said thermoplastic material forming a mainportion of the protective covering with an edge portion along the outeredges of the main portion of the protective covering, said edge portionbeing formed with an increased thickness greater than that of the mainportion of the protective covering and an extended width for retardingoutflow of materials from the main portion of the protective covering;and, said protective covering retaining the flexibility of theunderlying fabric.
 12. The article of claim 11, wherein said permanentlyembedded protective covering is non-toxic, moisture impervious, andflame retardant.
 13. The article of claim 11, wherein the thermoplasticmaterial may be a plastisol ink.
 14. The article of claim 11, whereinthe thermoplastic material may have color, translucency or besubstantially transparent.
 15. The article of claim 11, wherein theformed edge portion of the protective covering has an increasedthickness in the range between 1-3 mm above the surface of the mainportion of the protective covering and the surface of the article ofclothing and a width in the range between 0.5 and 1.5 cm.